How to Put Snow Chains on Your Semi-Truck

Now that winter is here, many semi-truck drivers are redoubling their efforts to stay safe while driving on slick, slippery, icy, and snowy roads, highways, and interstates. One of the best ways to equip yourself and your truck for driving in such conditions is to put snow chains on your tires. Never done it before? No problem! This guide from DTI Trucks will show you the simple steps to get your tires chained up and make your winter drives much safer and less stressful.

1. Get Ready

When you’re driving and notice the snow starts to pile up, you’ll want to pull over to a safe spot where you can put on your snow chains. Some highways may even have a chain-up area on them. Get out of the way of traffic and park your truck, including using the parking brake.

If the snow is somewhat thick, you may need to shovel out space around your tires before you begin. Brush snow off your tires and mud flaps as well so that they are clean. Make sure you’re installing your chains during the day so that you have ample light; also, avoid installing them in truly inclement weather, like a blizzard.

Remember that you only need to install chains on drive wheels. Also, you shouldn’t keep the chains on your tires beyond the point where the snow stops. If you make it to a clear roadway or the snow season begins to wind down, it’s time to take off the chains.

2. Lay Out & Inspect Chains

Next, you’ll want to lay out all of your chains flat by the wheels you’re going to put them on. Flatten the chains and look them over carefully to make sure they aren’t damaged. Never use broken or damaged chains on your tires.

3. Drape Chains Over Wheels

Now you’ll want to lift the chains up and drape them over each wheel, with equal lengths of chain hanging over the front and back. Tuck the front end of the chain as close to the base of the wheel (where it touches the ground) as possible. Try to center the chain on the tire and keep it as straight as possible.

4. Drive Over Chains

Hop in your cab and start your engine so that you can drive your truck slowly and carefully forward a few feet. This will allow the tires to roll over the chains. Turn off your engine, park securely, and walk back to your tires to attach the chains.

5. Tighten & Secure

Tighten up the cams on your chains with an adjusting wrench to fasten them into place. The chain should be snug around each wheel. Finally, you’ll want to use some bungee cords to hook the chains together (with hooks facing out towards you) to hold them in place. Try driving a little bit to make sure that the chains remain where you’ve placed them and don’t fall off the tires. You should now be able to continue your journey!

Ready to purchase a commercial truck? Check out our wide selection of new and used trucks for sale. DTI Trucks offers two convenient locations in Wheat Ridge and Denver, Colorado.